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Society & Culture: Freedom and Our Demographic Destiny

The Fertility Rate Is a Social Issue That Defines Our Freedom and Our Future

PASADENA, CA--(Marketwire - October 23, 2007) - On October 28th the Statue of Liberty will be
one hundred and twenty-one years old. When she was young and looked down on
American society and culture she would not have been faulted had she
decided the primary social
issue of the twentieth century was a concern for over population. Now
as she celebrates her one hundred and twenty-first birthday the coin has
flipped and there is new concern about the Total Fertility Rate (TFR).

Vision.org writer Thomas Fitzpatrick says, "If you agree that prudent
people should keep a close eye on rates that can significantly affect the
global society and culture, you may want to add the TFR to your watch
list." It has been computed that an ideal population replacement rate is
2.1 (two parents are replaced by two children with a small buffer).

It is worthy of concern that in 2007 more than 70 countries have a total
fertility rate of less than 2. For example: Singapore at 1.07, Lithuania at
1.21, Czech Republic at 1.22, Japan at 1.23, and even Canada at 1.61. The
total fertility rate for the United States is just above replacement value
at 2.09 and the total fertility rate for the world is now 2.59. It is also
worthy of concern that the total number being born will be inadequate to
support and help an aging population on welfare.

"Dramatic declines in fertility rates over the last several decades do
portend certain cultural changes if current trends continue," says
Fitzpatrick. "Falling fertility rates foretell enormous socio-economic and
geopolitical eventualities.... The dual dynamics of increased longevity and
falling fertility has created a demographic destiny that is inescapable,
and the impending implications for our society and
culture loom large on the horizon."

The lady that holds her lamp beside the golden door says, "Give me your
tired, your poor, Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free." With the
falling TFR are we now creating a future where we can no longer extend a
helping hand. This Vision.org article suggests that to ensure the future
of our society and culture we should reconsider the wisdom of the
Judeo-Christian adage to "be fruitful and to multiply."

About Vision.org

Vision's mission is to give its readers a deeper understanding of the
causes of problems faced by our culture and society, with a commitment to
accuracy and an honest treatment of the facts of every issue. Vision.org is
a web site that challenges readers to examine philosophical, moral and
ethical issues in society today.